Here's what I wrote on Murphy last week @ https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/2020/02/buffalo-bills-have-6-offseason-cut-candidates-what-to-do-with-trent-murphy-tyler-kroft-and-the-rest.html
I think keeping him on the roster is fine if the Bills can't upgrade in free agency. He's a nice rotational piece. I just think there are better options at that number. Almost $10 million for what Murphy brought in 2019 isn't good enough in my opinion. But that's just my opinion. Again, hanging onto him for 2020 with no other options, sure, that makes sense. If they re-sign Shaq and draft a pass rusher I think that $10 million would be better spent elsewhere.
1. Trent Murphy, DE
2020 Cap Hit: $9.78 million
2020 Dead Cap: $1.75 million
Potential savings: $8.03 million
Murphy was solid in 2019 and his most significant contributions came in the biggest game of the season when he had two sacks against the Houston Texans in the playoffs. Murphy is a well-rounded edge player that left something to be desired as a consistent pass rusher.
Heading into the final year of a three-year deal, Murphy is a contingency plan at this point. With Shaq Lawson entering free agency the Bills currently have Jerry Hughes, Murphy and 2019 seventh-round draft pick Darryl Johnson on the roster. If Lawson signs elsewhere and the Bills whiff on an edge rusher in free agency or on Day 1/2 of the draft, Murphy’s inclusion on the 2020 roster is basically guaranteed.
If the Bills are able to make a move or two and upgrade at the position (free agent edge rushers like Yannick Ngakoue and Robert Quinn come to mind) then saving the $8 million makes a lot of sense.